SAO PAULO (AP) — Flamengo and Palmeiras will both clash Saturday, seeking a fourth Copa Libertadores title and South American bragging rights.
Both teams have won two Copas each in the past six years, and have been battling for supremacy in the Brazilian league for nearly a decade.
Flamengo and Palmeiras have been favorites to win every Copa since 2019. Both clubs faced financial difficulties in the early 2010s, but have now become economic powerhouses after signing major contracts and achieving good stability.
According to Transfermarkt, which specializes in evaluating soccer players, the combined value of both teams is more than $470 million.
Flamengo coach Felipe Luis will rely heavily on two former Atlético Madrid players in the final, winger Samuel Lino and midfielder Saul Giguez. Former Italy midfielder Jorginho and Uruguay international Jorgian de Arrascueta are also likely to be included in the lineup.
Portugal coach Abel Ferreira will be under pressure to win a third Copa with Palmeiras, especially as his team looks set to lose the Brazilian league title to Flamengo. He hopes former Barcelona striker Vitor Roque can shine in Lima.
Four years ago, Ferreira’s tactics were key when Palmeiras defeated Flamengo 2-1 in extra time after mistakes by other players playing on Saturday.
Former Manchester United and Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira was a Flamengo player at the time. They lost the ball under pressure from striker Daveerson, who ultimately scored the winning goal.
Pereira, 29, who recently played for Brazil, said the mistake has haunted him every day since. But he will play in Palmeiras on Saturday.
“When we came back, people tried to destroy the bus and attack my house. We had to get off the bus early and get into another car,” said Pereira, who joined Fulham five months after the final.
Regardless of who wins, Brazil will tie Argentina for their 25th Copa title.
The champion will earn $24 million and qualify for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. They will also play in Recopa against Lanus, who won last Saturday’s Copa Sudamericana. The runner-up will receive $7 million.
___ AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
